Discussion, whether in small groups or as a whole class, allows students to be actively engaged, to think at their own pace, and to practice the skills of synthesis, debate, analysis, evaluation and response within a supportive framework. This approach therefore promotes the development of higher order thinking skills.
Using Critical Friends' protocols in discussion
Here at SAS, many of us have undergone Critical Friends' Groups Training. One of the primary benefits of this training is to facilitate the development of a learning community. Since we view our classrooms as learning communities, it makes sense that these protocols may also be used to good effect there.
Grade 8 is an excellent time to begin training students in this method, as they develop skills of synthesis and analysis. One way is to combine it with a 'fishbowl'.
Table of Contents
Using discussion
Discussion, whether in small groups or as a whole class, allows students to be actively engaged, to think at their own pace, and to practice the skills of synthesis, debate, analysis, evaluation and response within a supportive framework. This approach therefore promotes the development of higher order thinking skills.
Using Critical Friends' protocols in discussion
Here at SAS, many of us have undergone Critical Friends' Groups Training. One of the primary benefits of this training is to facilitate the development of a learning community. Since we view our classrooms as learning communities, it makes sense that these protocols may also be used to good effect there.
Have a look at what other schools have to say about this:
'Critical Friends' Groups: Creating the environment for implementation', (Nov. 2006), UCLA AMP EdNews, http://www.smp.gseis.ucla.edu/Resources/EdNews/ednews_2006_11.html
Socratic questioning method
Grade 8 is an excellent time to begin training students in this method, as they develop skills of synthesis and analysis. One way is to combine it with a 'fishbowl'.
Resources
The following sites contain useful suggestions for processes and methodology:ChangingMinds.org, 'Socratic questions' http://changingminds.org/techniques/questioning/socratic_questions.htm
'Designing Effective projects: Questioning', http://www97.intel.com/en/ProjectDesign/InstructionalStrategies/Questioning/The_Socratic_Questioning_Technique.htm
'Critical Friends Groups: Catalysts for school change', http://www.educationworld.com/a_admin/admin/admin136.shtml